Pastor's family finds itself without a home

This pastor and father of five needs homes — both for his church and for his family. Warm clothing and shoes would help sustain them through the wait.

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By SARAH LEMON

MailTribune.com

By SARAH LEMON

Posted Dec. 22, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Dec 22, 2013 at 10:35 AM

By SARAH LEMON

Posted Dec. 22, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Dec 22, 2013 at 10:35 AM

How you can help

To read more stories from the Light One Candle series and see links to other ways for helping those in need this holiday season, go to www.mailtribune.com/holidayneed.

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How you can help

To read more stories from the Light One Candle series and see links to other ways for helping those in need this holiday season, go to www.mailtribune.com/holidayneed.

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This pastor and father of five needs homes — both for his church and for his family. Warm clothing and shoes would help sustain them through the wait.

The family resides in the Medford homeless shelter of St. Vincent de Paul until they save enough from the mother's part-time job cleaning medical offices.

Once they find a place to live, they lack furnishings and other household goods.

"They fell on hard times, and so they lost everything they own," said Vicki D'Alessandro, rental programs coordinator for ACCESS.

Unable to pay fees on a storage unit, the family relinquished almost everything to their name, said D'Alessandro. The father is a National Guard veteran and receives Social Security disability payments after several back surgeries. He wants to establish his church in Ashland.

ACCESS is helping the family to find housing. Coats, shoes and clothing constitute their immediate need. The man, 49, needs a winter coat and pajamas, size XXL, and weatherized, hiking-type boots, size 11. The woman, 37, needs work boots and sturdy tennis shoes for work, along with pajamas, size 1X.

The 16-year-old girl loves jewelry and dreams of owning a device to download music. Her 10-year-old sister has a passion for arts and crafts and playing the keyboard. The 8-year-old girl is drawn to anything Barbie- or princess-themed. Her 8-year-old twin brother is special-needs and could use items that would help with his speech, reading or mathematics; anything musical inspires him. The 2-year-old would like ABCmouse software.

To restore some of what this family has lost, please contact D'Alessandro at 541-618-4007 or Britney Villa at 541-779-6691, ext. 368.

Light One Candle is an annual series sponsored by the Mail Tribune that focuses on an individual, group or agency that could use a helping hand during the holiday season. Once that need is filled, donations may be distributed to others in need.